The Governor, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the state, shall appoint as commander of the naval militia a qualified resident of the state, who holds a commission as a reserve or retired officer of the United States Navy or of the United States Coast Guard of at least the rank of lieutenant commander and who has served on active duty with the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard and who has during such active duty served for not less than one year aboard a ship at sea. He shall hold office, subject to the pleasure of the Governor, provided he is under sixty-two years of age.